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Teaching is certainly a challenging profession. But imparting knowledge to new generations of students can be a formidable task, especially when dealing with difficult classroom dynamics.
Creating a healthy environment which celebrates the joy of learning, therefore, can go a long way in helping educators build connections with their students.
According to Voelkl (2012), students who value school and feel that they belong there are more likely to enjoy in-depth learning, and experience improved academic achievements.
Here are five useful methods to help you create a conducive learning environment in your classroom, no matter how old your students may be.
1. Establish clear expectations
Clear expectations help students understand what they need to do to be successful in the classroom.
This means holding them to a certain set of rules and standards pertaining to their behaviour, communication, involvement, expected performance and so on.
These can range from the simple: “I expect you to raise your hand if you wish to ask a question” to a more assertive: “I expect all of you to pass the final exam.”
When first setting expectations, it is important they be well-defined, realistically achievable, and beneficial for the student.
It is then crucial for teachers to uphold these rules and standards consistently and impartially throughout the academic year.
When students clearly understand what is expected of them, they can direct their focus on learning.
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2. Create a welcoming physical environment
It’s hard to get any learning done if your classroom resembles a dank dungeon. With a little bit of work, even the most unwelcoming spaces can be transformed into a conducive study area.
You can achieve this by incorporating ample amounts of fresh air and natural light into your setting. Also, make sure to adjust the temperature to create a cool and comfortable environment.
Neaten-up the room and decorate the interior with as many bright colours as possible.
Hang posters, maps, artwork, motivational posters, and most importantly, your students’ projects and achievements, on the walls. Being on display will instil learners with a sense of pride and encourage greater class participation.
3. Foster a judgment-free zone
Making mistakes is inevitable, and an essential part of learning. Students should therefore be allowed to experiment and express themselves without fear of ridicule.
For teachers, this means emphasising the process of learning over the achievement of excellent academic results.
Create an inclusive, safe space which values diversity and allows for the peaceful exchange of opinions.
If constructive criticism is delivered, it should be in a tactful and kind manner. When students feel safe and respected, they are more likely to take risks and be vulnerable, which is essential for gaining knowledge.
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4. Focus on active learning
Many think of classroom learning as passive, with students listening and taking notes from a dull lecture. Research has proven this conventional teaching method to be inefficient, with active learners routinely outperforming their more passive counterparts by up to 68% in examinations.
Through active learning, students are empowered to directly engage in activities that require them to apply, analyse, synthesise, and evaluate information.
Whenever possible, try to create learning experiences: this includes incorporating multimedia into lessons, embarking on educational visits, and inviting guest speakers to share experiences.
Students should also be frequently involved in collaborative activities, which are crucial for building valuable practical and social skills.
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5. Be open to change
No two classrooms are exactly alike. A teaching activity which worked spectacularly with one might completely flop with another. So don’t be discouraged if something you try isn’t received well. The trick is to step back, reflect on what went wrong, and focus on future improvement.
You may have to tweak your methods and approaches when handling different student groups. Some groups may be more vocal and participative than others. Some may prefer more visual educational styles, with flashcards and charts, while others may prefer more aural or kinaesthetic styles.
Also keep in mind that in every group, there are usually one or two students who learn differently from the majority. It is important to ensure they never feel excluded. The joy of teaching comes from really getting to know your learners, and discovering what works best for them.
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